STATE: Checkers won’t save state GOP

With California election losses still playing out, the argument for Republicans revising who we are and what we stand for falls short. Republicans face a Democrat supermajority of both houses of the Legislature, and Democrats hold every state constitutional office. Without leadership that includes a long term “chess” strategy for integrity of elections and comprehensive immigration and tax reform, Republicans face a Democrat checkmate.

Democrats’ “more the merrier” spin on voter participation poses a permanent threat to our democracy, party and state by ignoring potential voter fraud. November’s close elections were determined by unusually large numbers of provisional ballots. Provisional and absentee ballots have long been recognized as a source of potential mischief. Tying addresses to ballots to determine legitimate residency requires physically reviewing ballots as opened. State elections of particular interest are: Assembly District 36 (recount under way), Assembly District 32 and Senate District 5, where provisionals determined results. In 2014, same day registration and voting will further compound the potential for shenanigans. We must have a clear strategy to ensure that legitimate voters are not disenfranchised through fraud.

Conventional wisdom holds that we must promote immigration reforms to win Latino voters. Generally conservative, upwardly mobile and entrepreneurial, Latinos should be a natural fit with Republican social and fiscal policy. Many Republicans support working visa or sponsorship programs with verification and enhanced border security or an “Ellis Island II” for all immigrants. However, if the status quo assures support for Democrats, how do they benefit from allowing a solution to a “Republican” problem?

Regardless, we must make inroads with growing Latino, Asian and other communities. Because the border is de facto open due to California and U.S. policies, Mexican children using day passes attend California schools and return home each evening, and then attend college under the “Dream Act.” Many 30-plus-year-olds work, buy homes, pay taxes, educate children, and have roots firmly established and no desire to leave their adopted country. Many, of all ethnicities and supported by relatives who became legal under President Reagan’s 1986 amnesty program, now have children graduating from high school.

Interestingly, agriculture faces a growing Democrat hostility with regard to water, increasing regulation and unionization. Hence, our No. 1 employer and natural ally for comprehensive reform seems reluctant to enter the political fray. Farmers fear losing their workforce and entire capital investment at harvest time. Without federal reform, the challenge is to lead without the votes to implement a comprehensive strategy.

Conventional wisdom also calls for “Moderate Republicans” willing to consider taxes. The Republicans who voted in 2009 for the “temporary tax hike” to patch a hole in the state budget are recalled with abuse heaped on “moderates” by pundits and activists. The historical revision fails to divulge that the tax increase did not cure the deficit and spending continued to escalate. In addition, the Republican Assembly leader got slaughtered in the next election by Democrats using his tax vote against him.

Tax reform, lowering rates, broadening the base, and/or eliminating loopholes, in exchange for decreased spending, was the winning Reagan strategy. But before Republicans decide to strike a grand bargain, we must assess what those in the new supermajority gain by our cooperation since they can pass all legislation without us.

The initiative, open primary and potential “national popular vote” also have far-reaching political impacts. California faces serious credibility, social and financial issues. Conservative messaging and policy is checkers; Republican strategy must be chess.

Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, represents the 73rd District in the California Assembly.